Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A molded plastic sheet has many rectangular sprout growing trays joined together at top peripheral flanges. Each tray has drainage holes and a bottom sloping to the holes. A sheet of many trays may grow sprouts in preproportioned amounts. The flanges are divided by partially cut through lines for separation after growing. A transparent clamshell container receives the tray and holds it in place by the flange when closed The container has a front portion and a rear portion joined by a hinge, with rectangular perimeters which snap sealingly together. The lower part of the container holds the tray. It is sealed water tight. Above that part, one or more ventilation passages are provided in the container sides so that the sprouts may continue to grow while on retail display. A hanging tab is provided on the container top with an easy opening adjacent flap.

Abstract: We provide methods and apparatus for handling sod which includes a washing machine in which the water is recycled and during recycling the soil removed from the sod is delivered for reuse. We also provide a method of delivering and take up of rolls of sod in which the peripheral speed of the roll remains constant regardless of the roll diameter; we display methods of physically working sod to remove soil therefrom and also methods of handling sod by supporting it with a flexible mesh where there is likely to be stress on the sod.

Abstract: A hydroponic nutrient solution control system capable of performing the nutrient solution control automatically, accurately, effectively, and efficiently. In the system, the supplies of the acid nutrient ion ingredient solutions and the alkali nutrient ion ingredient solutions from the acid solution tanks and the alkali solution tanks to the nutrient solution tank are controlled according to the pH measured by the pH meter and the ion concentrations measured by the ion analyzer. The system may also controls the supplies of the high concentration nutrient solutions and the water from the high concentration nutrient solution tanks and the water supply according to the electrolytic conductivity measured by the electrolytic conductivity meter.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a growing container in which plants are hydroponically grown on a support medium is disclosed. The growing container includes a plurality of openings in which seals are installed. The seals include holes through which the plants grow. When seeds are planted, a hollow tube is placed through the seal hole to maintain the seed in position. After the seed germinates, it grows through the tube. As continued growth expands the plant's stem to the size of the tube, the tube breaks apart and does not constrain future plant growth. Moreover, as the plant grows further, the seal hole expands to accommodate the plant stem. The seal surrounds and contacts the plant stem to reduce evaporation of nutrient solution from the growing container and to keep insects and contamination out of the growing container. A holding container is positioned above the growing container and coupled to the growing container through a manifold arrangement.

Abstract: A system for green plant and/or microbial culture featuring improved fluid control by the use of capillary drainage devices is described.

Abstract: A holder for at least one element of living corsage material from which substantially the entire stem has been severed.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for edging landscapes and hardscapes that also allows for drainage of water and other liquids from the edged areas. A strip is provided having a number of regularly spaced openings through which liquids can drain. The strip is inserted into the ground about the edge of landscapes and hardscapes. The strip is positioned with the openings at desired levels above and/or below the surface of the adjacent landscape/hardscape area appropriate to allow drainage of accumulated water. A variety of opening shapes and arrangements of openings may be utilized to facilitate drainage.

Abstract: A plant propagation tray includes a substantially rectangular tray having a perforated bottom formed with a plurality of substantially parallel spaced apart raised inverted V structures or ridges which extend across substantially the entire bottom of the tray from one side of the tray to an opposite parallel side of the tray. According to one embodiment, the tray is provided with side walls for use alone or in a flat. According to another embodiment, the tray is free of side walls and is used in conjunction with a flat, a greenhouse bench, or a container having side walls. The horizontal distance between the ridges is preferably substantially equal to the vertical height of the soil which will be placed on the tray and the vertical height of the ridges is preferably approximately 15-40% of the vertical height of the soil which will be placed on the tray. The trays can be made to accommodate many different sized plants. The trays can be inexpensively manufactured from vacuum-formed thermoplastic.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A tree protector for a young tree growing in a pasture prevents damage by grazing animals such as cattle. The tree protector contains two major components. The first component is a freely rotatable, perforated cylinder that surrounds the trunk of the tree and prevents cattle from scratching their heads on the trunk. The second component is a ring that rests on the ground and surrounds the tree. The ring contains cavities larger than the feet of cattle and prevents cattle from stepping on the ring and getting close enough to eat the leaves or rub their bodies against the trunk.

Abstract: An artificial soil structure includes at least one hydrophobic layer of hydrophobic particles provided in a soil. A particle size of the hydrophobic particles can be 2000 micrometers and less. The hydrophobic particles are sand and/or dirt treated with a water-repellent agent or hydrophobic particles having a high molecular weight polymer. An artificial water-retentive soil structure includes a soil block containing a water-retentive agent and a hydrophobic layer of hydrophobic particles provided on the soil block. A method of preventing land desertification includes the steps of placing a hydrophobic layer of hydrophobic particles in a soil at a prescribed depth from the earth surface and controlling the water content in said soil.

Abstract: A mowing template for protecting tree trunks against damage from a wheeled lawnmower, and for controlling vegetation growth at the tree trunk; comprising a circular ring of opaque, tough material defining a short vertical wall having a rounded or otherwise smooth bottom edge, a smooth outer surface, and an open interior for concentric placement about a tree trunk. The ring rests encircling the tree trunk unattached to the tree or ground, and may slide on the grass and ground surface when pushed against by a lawnmower. The ring includes at least one break or split in the wall allowing opening of the ring for the initial placement about the tree, with the break being closeable and lockable. The open interior of the ring is sized in diameter relative to the diameter of the tree trunk to allow the ring to be pushed toward the tree by the lawnmower at least a distance equal to the mowing set-back of the lawnmower.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a decorative cover for a flower pot comprising a collar wherein the collar clamps a sheet of material to the flower pot or wherein the sheet of material is connected to the collar and the collar is connectable to the flower pot.

Abstract: A portable party riser, or pedestal-type stand, is provided, consisting of several container-bases and a thin cylindrical rigid stem for support. The container-bases are manually connected to this stem by fitting either of the two ends of the support tightly into the appropriate socket or hub on either surface of the flange of each container-base. The structure is generally supported by a bottom container acting as the base, and resting upon a horizontal surface such as a floor or table top. As such, it is an excellent device for placing decorative arrangements, because it is leakproof without a gluing or other adhesive means.

Abstract: A self-watering tree stand having an external reservoir for holding a supply of water and a tube leading from the reservoir to a compartment in the tree stand. The compartment has a float valve for controlling the amount of water which is allowed to flow from the reservoir to the tree stand, and also, has a screen, the upper portion is made from a solid material and the lower portion is made from a screen type mesh which prevents debris and tree pitch from entering the compartment and interfering with the float valve.

Abstract: A method for destroying plants by superheating air, compressing it and using it to melt the plant's waxy cuticular coating while utilizing foam made in the process as an insulating agent. The melting of the waxy layer causes dehydration and death to the plant. The foam has a temperature close to the boiling point of water and surfactant combination. This requires that not only the water but also the compressed air be heated above the boiling point of water to achieve a foam whose temperature is approximately 212.degree. F.

Abstract: A kit of components for a display adapted to aid the novice or inexperienced gardener in the proper selection, care and placement of perennial plants. The kit includes color-coded charts, planting guides and plant containers to visually highlight the various growing requirements for the variety of plants.

Abstract: A Collapsible container for holding a floral grouping in a vertical position. The container is constructed from a flexible material and comprises a body, an upper open end and a closed lower end. A bonding material is disposed upon a portion of the outer surface of the closed base for enabling the container to be bondingly connecting to a surface for supporting the floral grouping in a vertical position. The container is collapsible to a substantially flat position and expandable therefrom to an expanded form for receiving a portion of a floral grouping in the interior space. The container may have a sheet extension for providing a protective wrap about a portion of a floral grouping.